How do you assess an animals level of consciousness?

Answer 1

One test that exists to test self awareness is the mirror test. This is a basic test where a mark is put on an animal where they can't see it without the use of a mirror. If they attempt to touch or otherwise show that they recognize the mark is on themselves, they have recognized that they are seeing a reflection in the mirror-- that they are aware of self.

Another mark of intelligence is tool use. However, this doesn't always equal intelligence as some animals may have the intelligence of make tools but lack the physical dexterity to manipulate their environments. However, if an animal is able to use tools they are generally regarded as fairly intelligent. Often, the more tools animals use, the more intelligent they are (though these are very broad statements, don't take them as straight up fact, haha).

In some cases, animals can be taught to "speak". There's the famous gorilla Koko, who was taught sign language so that she could communicate her thoughts. Her consistent use of signs indicate that she isn't using just random signs, but is deliberately attempting to communicate using sign language. However, other scientists argue that she is only signing because the trainers are giving her reward for doing so. Another instance of language in animals is recorded in Alex the African grey parrot. His owner, Dr. Pepperburg, taught him an array of words in order to test cognition. He is able to respond correctly and consistently to questions such as "which shape bigger?" (when presented with a large square and a small circle, for example).

The field of animal cognition is a very vague and subjective field. Scientists have a few tests, but mostly what they do is observe the animal and attempt to assess consciousness/intelligence without anthropomorphizing the animals. This problem with anthropomorphizing leads to much debate about what is and what isn't animal cognition.